Nitrocyclohexane

Uses

Nitrocyclohexane is an important chemical intermediate and organic solvent. Due to its unique reactivity and physicochemical properties, it has become an important raw material in the fields of pharmaceuticals, surfactants, solvents, lubricants and emulsifiers, and can produce nearly two thousand derivatives.

Chemical Properties

Colorless to dark yellow liquid

Chemical Properties

Nitrocyclohexane is a highly flammable, colorless liquid.

Definition

ChEBI: A C-nitro compound that is cyclohexane in which a single hydrogen is replaced by a nitro group.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 75, p. 4047, 1953 DOI: 10.1021/ja01112a049
Tetrahedron, 46, p. 7443, 1990 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4020(01)89059-1
Tetrahedron Letters, 21, p. 1117, 1980 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)83928-9

General Description

Colorless liquid.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly Flammable

Reactivity Profile

Nitroalkanes, such as NITROCYCLOHEXANE, range from slight to strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Nitroalkanes are milder oxidizing agents, but still react violently with reducing agents at higher temperature and pressures. Nitroalkanes react with inorganic bases to form explosive salts. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity of nitroalkanes. Nitroalkanes with more than one nitro group are generally explosive. Nitroalkanes are insoluble in water. Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

Synthesis

Nitrocyclohexane is an organic compound that can be prepared by reacting nitrogen dioxide (or nitric acid) with cyclohexane.

Potential Exposure

Used in organic synthesis.

Shipping

UN3382 Toxic by inhalation liquid, n.o.s. with an LC50 lower than or equal to 1000 ml/m3 and saturated vapor concentration ≥10 LC50, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1 Technical Name Required, Inhalation Hazard Zone B.

Incompatibilities

A nitro compound; a fire and explosive hazard. May form explosive mixture with air. Nitrocyclohexane, a nitroalkane, is a strong oxidizing agents. If mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides, they may begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation. Nitroalkanes are milder oxidizing agents, but still react violently with reducing agents at higher temperature and pressures. Nitroalkanes react with inorganic bases to form explosive salts. The presence of metal oxides increases the thermal sensitivity of nitroalkanes. Nitroalkanes with more than one nitro group are generally explosive. Incompatible with alkalis, and metal oxides. This chemical is highly reactive and may be heat-and shock-sensitive.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.